Despite the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, CWS remains committed to supporting refugee and immigrant families. Through essential services in CWS local offices—ranging from legal aid and housing assistance to medical support—CWS continues to provide a lifeline for newcomers in need. For more than 75 years, CWS has stood alongside refugees and newcomers, working in partnership with communities, …
Take Action: Stand With Refugees as Court Rules Against Trump’s Indefinite Refugee Ban
On February 25, the Western District of Washington heard oral arguments in Pacito v. Trump, the first lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s refugee ban executive order. Following the hearing, the judge issued a preliminary injunction from the bench blocking the administration’s indefinite refugee ban and funding freeze. In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead said that the administration’s refugee …
Revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians Will Tear Apart Communities and Send Families Back to Danger
February 21, 2025
New York City–Church World Service today decries the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians living in the United States. The decision – which goes into effect in August – will place Haitians who have found safety in and worked in our communities for decades at risk of deportation back to a country experiencing devastating …
Navigating Crisis: Supporting Refugees and Migrants in Serbia
As Serbia becomes an increasingly crucial waypoint for refugees and migrants—including those fleeing Ukraine—urgent challenges such as lack of shelter, healthcare, and legal protections continue to put thousands at risk. With limited institutional support and growing migration complexities, CWS and its partners are stepping in to provide emergency relief, legal aid, and long-term solutions to help displaced individuals find safety, …
The Cost of Conflict: A Ukrainian Mother’s Story of Survival
In 2024, CWS launched operations in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast province to provide essential services such as food distribution, medical and psychosocial support and protection for vulnerable groups, in partnership with local organizations. As part of this work, CWS and local partners visited communities in January 2025 to assess winterization needs. The following blog is a testimony from one of the …
Stories of Change
Top: Pak Sampara in a CLEAR workshop Bottom: Pak Sampara actively involved in workshop discussion
Rising Above the Floods: Pak Sampara’s Journey of Resilience and Community Support
Pak Sampara, a flood-affected resident of Makassar City, found resilience and purpose through the CLEAR project, a CWS initiative that empowers communities to mitigate flood risks. Embracing hydroponic farming and disaster preparedness training, he now supports his neighbors, proving that perseverance and community spirit can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Facing the Rising Waters: A Community in Crisis
Nearly every year, floods hit Makassar City in Indonesia, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of those who call it home.
For 56-year-old Pak Sampara, each flood brings a new wave of uncertainty. The rising water damages crops, making them impossible to sell, and in 2020, the situation became even more devastating when he lost his cleaning job in a local hotel due to COVID-19 layoffs.
In 2023, he learned about the CLEAR project, implemented by CWS in partnership with INANTA and Yayasan Cita Wadah Swadaya (YCWS), to help communities in flood-prone Makassar, South Sulawesi, create a community-led early warning system and preparedness plan to reduce flood risks and protect vulnerable families.
Building Resilience Through Community Action
Determined to support his community despite the hardships, Pak Sampara embraced the opportunity to make a difference. As a neighborhood leader, he turned to hydroponic farming, growing chilies and tomatoes in his home garden and sharing his harvest with neighbors in need.
“CWS, YCWS and INANTA, through the CLEAR Project, have helped us develop our abilities to help others in devastating situations. Now I hope I can help more people, especially within my communities,” Pak Sampara shared.
In the face of disasters, preparation is key—not only in protecting ourselves but for strengthening entire communities. Through the CLEAR project and disaster risk reduction training, Pak Sampara has gained the tools to stay resilient in the face of future floods. His story is a powerful reminder that perseverance and community spirit can turn even the toughest challenges into opportunities for growth and support.
You can learn more about our work in Indonesia here.
Fathiya’s Transformation: From Observer to Animator
February 19, 2025
Fathiya, a Palestinian refugee in Indonesia, discovered a life-changing passion for animation after joining her brother in a workshop led by a local CWS partner. Despite initial struggles with the technical and language barriers, her perseverance paid off, enabling her to contribute to real projects and opening new doors for her future. When Fathiya joined her brother in an animation …
Emergency Appeal: CWS’ Emboldened Commitment in the Face of Adversity
February 14, 2025
Appeal Name: CWS’ Emboldened Commitment in the Face of Adversity Date Issued: 14 February 2025 Appeal Code: 6210 Appeal Amount: $5 million over 18 months Church World Service was born in the wake of the devastation of World War II. People of faith came together “to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.” …
Stories of Change
Top: Glow and Grown project; Middle: Colorful Minds project; Bottom: RISE project
Nurturing Safe and Inclusive Schools: The Impact of CWS Child Protection Programs
For years, CWS Thailand has been at the forefront of child protection, implementing programs designed to foster inclusive, safe and supportive learning environments. Through initiatives at three schools—Wat Sao Thonghin School, Radburana School and Chumchonmoobanpattana School—CWS has empowered students with essential life skills, emotional resilience and social awareness. Each program is uniquely tailored to address the needs of children from diverse backgrounds, supporting their overall well-being and long-term development.
Colorful Minds: Encouraging Self-Esteem and Empathy
The 10-week Colorful Minds program at Wat Sao Thonghin School empowered 174 primary students by boosting self-esteem, reducing bullying and fostering an inclusive environment. Through engaging activities like icebreakers, emotional regulation exercises, teamwork challenges and cultural appreciation lessons, students developed stronger social and emotional skills.
Creative outlets such as drawing and role-playing helped them express emotions, build empathy, and collaborate more effectively. While younger students initially found some concepts like diversity challenging, program adjustments ensured their engagement and learning. Many participants expressed a keen interest in continuing, with feedback highlighting improved emotional awareness and stronger peer relationships.
Glow and Grown: Fostering Inclusivity and Cultural Understanding
In partnership with the Bangkok Refugee Center, 60 primary school students took part in a four-day Glow and Grown project focused on fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Through team-based games, group discussions and interactive exercises, students developed empathy, cultural awareness and positive social skills. Their active participation led to meaningful connections and improved interpersonal interactions. By the end of the program, bullying incidents had decreased and many students expressed enthusiasm for future sessions.
RISE: Supporting At-Risk Youth for a Brighter Future
Currently underway at Chumchonmoobanpattana School, the RISE initiative supports approximately 240 junior school students facing socio-economic challenges, including poverty and disengagement from education, which often contribute to long-term challenges, making early intervention essential to their well-being and future success.
Through a structured curriculum focused on emotional regulation, self-awareness and social responsibility, RISE provides a safe and supportive environment where students can build resilience and leadership skills. While working with vulnerable youth presents challenges, fostering a positive school culture creates a ripple effect that benefits not just the students, but also their families and communities.
A Commitment to Child Protection and Youth Development
CWS remains dedicated to enhancing child protection and youth development through targeted educational programs. By equipping students with essential life skills, fostering resilience and creating inclusive learning environments, these initiatives lay the foundation for brighter futures. Looking ahead, CWS aims to expand these programs to reach more at-risk youth, further strengthening community support systems and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about CWS Thailand here.
Empowering Migrant Youth: Perspectives from the Thai-Myanmar Border
For more than 20 years, hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from Myanmar have lived inside Thailand along the Thai-Myanmar border—next to their country yet far from their homes. Below are first-hand testimonials of participants in our youth empowerment project along the border. Htet Lin Thu: Educating and Empowering Migrant Youth My name is Htet Lin Thu, and I am …